TP5.2.4 Patency of radiocephalic versus brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula in a major tertiary hospital

Introduction The patency of brachiocephalic fistulae is generally considered to be superior to radiocephalic fistulae. We have explored this in a major tertiary hospital. Method This was a retrospective review of fistulae created between 1st January 2015 and 31st July 2020. Index cases were identified from a prospectively maintained vascular access database. Patient demographics, procedure details and subsequent interventions are described. Results There were 915 fistulae created on 813 patients (528 males and 285 females). There were 388 radiocephalic fistulae created on 374 patients and 363 brachiocephalic fistulae were formed on 301 patients. Both groups had 315 fistulae with patency data available. Age and a diagnosis of diabetes were comparable. There were significantly fewer female patients in the radiocephalic cohort (p = 0.004). Primary patency at 3 months, 1 year and 3 years were 84.6%, 58.1% and 37.9% for radiocephalic and 87.9%, 63.1% and 37.0% for brachiocephalic fistula (p = 0.273). Primary assisted patency at 3 months, 1 year and 3 years were 92.3%, 87.0%, 77.4% for radiocephalic and 96.1%, 88.6%, 79.9% for brachiocephalic fistulas (p = 0.295). Secondary patency at 3 months, 1 year and 3 years were 93.3%, 88.3% and 81.5% for radiocephalic fistulas and 97.4%, 90.6% and 85.7% for brachiocephalic fistulas (p = 0.134). Conclusion We have demonstrated similar primary, primary-assisted and secondary patency for radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistulae. Pre-operative ultrasound vein mapping, selective ultrasound surveillance, surgical expertise and careful patient selection may contribute to the high secondary patency and absence of difference between the groups.

EP.WE.103223-hour stay following total parathyroidectomy in renal patients

Aim Total parathyroidectomy in end-stage renal failure (ESRF), is an effective way to improve or stabilise calcium and parathormone levels and thus improve renal osteodystrophy. Previous BAEST guidelines were not in favour of true day-case neck surgery due to the risk of airway compromise from bleeding. Additionally, ESRF patients are at risk of profound hypocalcaemia after total parathyroidectomy. Patients undergoing total parathyroidectomy are prescribed Alfacalcidol 4mcg daily for 5 days prior to surgery. Following surgery under GA on a morning list, the potassium and calcium levels are checked in the afternoon. Calcium levels are then monitored daily for 3 days and subsequently when required. Oral Alfacalcidol is continued at the same dose until the nephrologists advise otherwise. Methods All ESRF patients undergoing total parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism were identified between 01/01/2005 and 31/12/2019 from a prospectively maintained electronic database. Demographics, biochemistry, length of stay (LoS) and outcomes were analysed. Results There were 43 (30 male) total parathyroidectomies. The median age was 53 (range 14 – 78), and median LoS 1 day (range 0 -13). 26 patients (60%) were discharged within 23 hours (26% were day-case). Prolonged stay was due to calcium replacement (n = 8) or dialysis (n = 4) requirements. Pre- and post-operative calcium values over 2.49mmol/L were significantly related to 23-hour stay (p = 0.010482 and p = 0.000263 respectively). No 30-day re-admissions were observed Conclusions Careful patient selection and adherence to a perioperative management protocol in total parathyroidectomy may enable early discharge within 23 hours. Preoperative calcium levels help predict this outcome.

Hiperaktív (túlműködő) húgyhólyag kezelése botulinumtoxin-A-terápiával

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A hiperaktív húgyhólyag szindróma népbetegség mértékű probléma, mely jelentősen rontja az érintettek életminőségét. A konzervatív, gyógyszeres kezelés eredménytelensége esetén másodvonalbeli terápiaként a minimálisan invazív botulinumtoxin intradetrusor injekció javasolható. Célkitűzés: A nem neurogén eredetű hiperaktív (túlműködő) hólyag szindróma miatt végzett botulinumtoxin intradetrusor injekciós kezelés hatékonyságának, biztonságosságának felmérése saját beteganyagunkon, és annak vizsgálata, hogy az eredményességet befolyásolják-e a vizsgált preoperatív paraméterek. Módszer: Egy retrospektív vizsgálat során összegyűjtöttük 33, intradetrusor BOTOX® injekción átesett betegünk perioperatív adatait (életkor, testtömegindex, kísérő betegségek, anatómiai eltérések, korábbi műtétek, panaszok, urodinámiás leletek). Az eredményesség és a posztoperatív komplikációk felmérése a betegdokumentáció, telefoninterjúk, kérdőívek segítségével történt. A statisztikai analízis során kapott eredményeket p<0,05 esetén tekintettük szignifikánsnak. Eredmények: Műtét után jelentős szövődményt nem tapasztaltunk (p>0,05), 6 betegnél észleltünk hólyagkatéterezést nem igénylő residuumot (p = 0,024). Az urgencia, ’urge’ incontinentia, pollakisuria, nycturia előfordulása és mértéke, a vizeletincontinentia miatti betéthasználat szignifikánsan csökkent (p<0,01), az életminőség, az általános egészségi állapot mutatói szignifikánsan javultak a műtét után (p<0,001). A perioperatív faktorok és a posztoperatív eredményesség (72,7%) között szignifikáns kapcsolat nem igazolódott (p>0,05). Megbeszélés: A tüneti javulás eredményei megegyeznek az irodalmi adatokkal, a nemzetközi publikációkban közölt eredményekhez képest is jobb mellékhatásprofil pedig az óvatosabb betegszelekcióval és részletesebb kivizsgálással magyarázható. Következtetés: A botulinumtoxin-A-terápia hatékony, biztonságos, minimálisan invazív kezelése a terápiarefrakter hiperaktív hólyag szindrómának. Nem sikerült olyan preoperatív faktort azonosítanunk, mely szignifikáns hatással bírna a kezelés eredményességének előrejelzésére. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(36): 1459–1465. Summary. Introduction: Overactive bladder syndrome is an endemic phenomenon, which has a significant impact on the quality of life. In cases where conservative treatment fails, intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection can be used as second-line therapy. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in the management of non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity among our patients. Also, to examine the influence of perioperative factors on the effects of the efficacy. Method: We have retrospectively collected the perioperative data of 33 patients treated with intradetrusor BOTOX®. The assessment of the efficacy and complications was done by the examination of patient files and questionnaires. The results obtained during the statistical analysis were considered significant for p<0.05. Results: We have not experienced notable complications after the procedures. Only 6 patients had residual urine (p = 0.024), none of them needed to be catheterized. We have observed significant decrease in the incidence of frequency, nocturia, urgency and incontinence, just as in the number of pads needed daily (p<0.01). Quality of life and general health were significantly improved (p<0.001). We have not found any significant connection between preoperative factors and efficacy (72.7%). Discussion: Our results considering the relief of symptoms are well in line with international data. The fact that our rate of complications is – in international comparison – outstanding can be explained by a more careful patient selection and thorough preoperative assessment. Conclusion: OnabotulinumtoxinA therapy is a safe and effective solution of therapy-refractory overactive bladder. We could not identify any perioperative factor to predict postoperative efficacy of therapy. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(36): 1459–1465.

Outcomes of endovascular treatment of patients with intermittent claudication due to femoropopliteal disease

Objective Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients with moderate and severe claudication due to femoropopliteal disease, that is, disease of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with moderate and severe claudication (Rutherford 2 and 3) undergoing endovascular treatment for FP disease between January 2012 and December 2017 at two university-affiliated hospitals was performed. All procedures were performed by vascular surgeons. Primary outcomes were mortality, freedom from reintervention, major adverse limb events defined as major amputations, open surgical revascularization, or progression to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years, and last follow-up. Unadjusted odds ratios were calculated to identify variables associated with adverse outcomes, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to determine mortality and freedom from reintervention. Results Eighty-five limbs in 74 patients were identified on review. Mean age was 69.6 ± 9.8 years and 74.3% were males. At a median follow-up of 49.0 ± 25.5 months, all-cause mortality rate was 8.1% (6 patients) with 16.7% being due to cardiovascular causes. Reintervention rates were 1.2%, 16.5%, and 21.2% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Major adverse limb events occurred in 3 patients and rates were 0%, 1.2%, and 2.4% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Progression to CLTI was 0%, 1.2%, and 1.2% at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. Claudication had improved or resolved in 55.6% ( n = 34 patients), stable in 38.9% ( n = 21 patients), and worse in 5.6% ( n = 3 patients) Age ≥ 70 years (OR = 4.09 (1.14–14.66), p = 0.027), TASCII A lesion (OR = 4.67 (1.14–19.17), p = 0.025), and presence of 3-vessel runoff (OR = 3.70 (1.18–11.59), p = 0.022) predicted symptoms’ improvement. TASCII A lesions were less likely to require reintervention (OR = 0.23 (0.06–0.86), p = 0.020). Reintervention within 1 year (OR = 11.67 (0.98–138.94), p = 0.017), reintervention with a stent (OR = 14.40 (1.19–173.67), p = 0.008) and more than one reintervention (OR = 39.00 (2.89–526.28), p < 0.001) predicted major adverse limb events. Conclusions Careful patient selection is important when planning endovascular treatment in patients with intermittent claudication and FP disease. This could result in symptomatic improvement in more than half of the patients. Adverse outcomes such as major adverse limb events, progression to CLTI, and amputations occur at low rates.

Factors Influencing the Surgical Decision in Dystonia Patients Referred for Deep Brain Stimulation

There is no available data on the journey of dystonia patients once referred to a tertiary center to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS). We hypothesized that some patients might be incorrectly diagnosed while others might decline the procedure or experience significant benefit with switching to a different botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). This is a single-center, retrospective study of dystonia patients who were referred to the DBS program between January 2014 and December 2018. We collected data on the surgical decision as well as factors influencing this decision. Sixty-seven patients were included (30 males, mean age: 48.3 ± 20.1 years, disease duration: 16.9 ± 15.3 years). Thirty-three (49%) patients underwent DBS. Four (6%) patients were awaiting the procedure while the remaining 30 patients (45%) did not undergo DBS. Reasons for DBS decline were patient refusal (17, 53%), functional dystonia (6, 20%), and successful use of AbobotulinumtoxinA (3, 10%) in patients who had failed other BoNTs. Our study highlights the importance of structured patient education to increase acceptance of DBS, as well as careful patient evaluation, particularly with respect to functional dystonia. Finally, changing BoNT formulation might be beneficial in some patients.

Can implant-retained overdenture components cause damage to the opposing natural dentition?

This clinical case series highlights an under-reported and often unidentified complication of implant-retained overdentures that may leave patients with a risk of long-term discomfort and preventable damage to the opposing dentition. A variety of cases is discussed to demonstrate potential problems and symptoms that can flag up signs of parafunctional habits in implant patients, and how these can be managed successfully. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Implant-retained overdentures provide a significant improvement in quality of life; however, careful patient assessment and management is essential to ensure the components do not cause damage to the opposing dentition.

Novel strategy for improved outcomes of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation as a treatment for refractory post cardiotomy cardiogenic shock in the current era: a refreshing new perspective

Objectives: Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock is an infrequent but important cause of death following cardiac surgery. Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation offers the opportunity for temporary cardiovascular support and myocardial rest, with a view to recovery. We examine our results with our recently-implemented management algorithm. Methods: We report our series of 15 consecutive patients out of 357 patients [4.2%] who required institution of veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation system support as treatment for Post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock in the current era [January-2017 to January-2020]. Results: The mean age was 64.3 ± 11.6 years (range: 40–82 years); there were 13 males (86.7%). Duration of veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation support was 6.7 ± 1.9 days. Duration of stay on intensive care unit [ICU] was 18.9 ± 17.1 days. Duration of hospital-stay was 28.3 ± 20.8 days. Survival to discharge and at 2.2 ± 0.9 years was 67%. Conclusions: We have shown clearly that veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation is an important rescue option for patients who develop refractory post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock, with improved survival of 67% at 2.2 ± 0.9 years in those placed on post-cardiotomy veno-arterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation support, which is superior to that reported hitherto in literature. We have sought to highlight the successes of post cardiotomy veno-arterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation support, with improved results, based on careful patient selection, as well as diligent management of these critically-ill patients in the postoperative period, prior to establishment of irreversible end-organ dysfunction. Our strategy has also helped us rationalize and optimize the use of this expensive treatment modality.

A case of splenomegaly with RK-39 positivity: A diagnostic pitfall

Long-standing moderate to marked splenomegaly suggests several differential diagnoses, both haematological and infectious, particularly leishmaniasis and malaria in endemic areas. Non-infectious causes may be missed in these regions, especially if pitfalls of serological testing are not considered. Careful patient evaluation is necessary to arrive at the correct diagnosis. We report a case of a young male whose hereditary spherocytosis was initially missed because of RK-39 positivity, splenomegaly and the fact that he hailed from an endemic region.

Continuing cancer care delivery during the peak of COVID-19 in the Bronx, New York: experience from a public teaching hospital

IntroductionWe report our experience with cancer care delivery during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of the patients treated from the 1st of March, 2020 to the 8th of May, 2020.ResultsTeam huddles, infection screening and patient selection strategies were implemented. 170 patients were treated in 576 visits. Six developed severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization, two died. Their median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 9, higher than the rest of the cohort.ConclusionsCancer care delivery is safe and feasible using an approach focused on careful patient selection, team communication and infection control.